New gym for Masterton kickboxers

Harley's Kickboxing Gym is shaping up a fresh crop of Muay Thai fighters after its latest shift to new premises in Masterton.

Head trainer and club founder Mal Harley said the gym was established almost 30 years ago and has since produced some of the best amateur Kiwi fighters across most weight divisions, earning itself a top 10 ranking of the more than NZ 80 clubs.

The latest national champion is Alfredton shepherd Brendan Varty, who has won five championship belts across several weight grades in the past three years.

Fellow club trainers Bryce Baron and Simon Hodder are past multiple NZ title-holders and one wall of the new gym features trophies, championship photographs and close to 20 belts won by Harley's fighters.

The new premises opened this month alongside the Masterton Judo and Ju Jitsu Academy in central Queen Street and boast a fully equipped training space and sparring ring as well as a sauna and men's and women's showers.

Harley said classes include the Brave Beginners fighter fitness class, focusing on basic fight routines without sparring and a class for capable and advanced fighters with full sparring with multiple partners, and pad and bag work. Class costs range from $3 for children and up to $50 a month (or $5 a session) for adult casual trainers.

Harley said the club is aiming to increase member numbers, through all age and weight grades, and welcomes all comers looking for fight skills or just physical fitness.

The gym has shifted several times since being founded and the latest move comes after 11 years spent at the Empire Lodge building on Queen Street.

Harley said Masterton man Steve Prime was set to be the first Harley's fighter to compete out of the new premises at an amateur tournament in Porirua.

"Every time we've moved, and it's been more than a couple of times, we've produced bigger and harder fighters. And by the looks we'll be doing the same thing out of our new gym as well," Harley said.

Baron agreed, saying all trainers are aiming to improve the quality of Harley's fighters and are set to defend the club's national ranking, which is testament to the coaching prowess of its founder.

"There's no doubt about it. Mal is one of the most successful kickboxing trainers in the lower North Island and we're ready to live up to that standard," Baron said.